Preston Towns has accepted a new staff role, Engineer I, in the Department of Chemical Engineering. This position was created to address the needs of the department’s teaching laboratories and assist in maintaining a safety culture.

“I look forward to contributing to make the ChE department all it can be,” says Towns.

In this new role, Towns will primarily be responsible for the efficient and safe operation of the department’s teaching laboratories. This includes maintaining the lab’s existing equipment and installation of new equipment. He will be responsible for training users of the teaching labs in the proper and safe use of the equipment. Secondarily, Towns will provide support to the department’s research activities by serving as safety liaison with the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, assisting with routine inspections, and assisting with documentation and procedures to ensure compliance with Environmental Health & Safety and other safety requirements.

“Preston takes initiative, is organized, and highly dedicated to his work and can communicate effectively with faculty, students, and other staff. I am confident that Preston will excel in this position,” says Carlos Rinaldi, Department Chair and Dean’s Leadership Professor.